Recent clinical research conducted at Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine has demonstrated the effectiveness of acupuncture in alleviating anxiety among patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). The randomized, double-blind controlled trial found that real acupuncture produced significant reductions in anxiety symptoms compared with sham acupuncture. The study also documented sustained benefits two months after the treatment period, further highlighting acupuncture’s potential as a non-pharmacological adjunct for anxiety management. [1]
The study involved 64 patients diagnosed with anxiety associated with PD. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either real acupuncture or sham acupuncture over an eight-week period, with treatments conducted three times per week. Anxiety levels were assessed using the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A), and the results showed marked improvements in the real acupuncture group both immediately after treatment and during the follow-up period. These findings were further supported by measurable changes in biomarkers associated with stress and mood regulation. [1]
The acupuncture protocol employed in this study was designed to address anxiety by calming the Shen (spirit/mind) and regulating heart and liver functions, as described in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Key acupoints included GV20 (Baihui), located at the vertex of the head, which harmonizes yang and calms the mind; EX-HN3 (Yintang), situated between the eyebrows, which is frequently used to reduce stress and promote relaxation; and HT7 (Shenmen), found on the wrist crease, which is known for calming the spirit and alleviating emotional disturbances.
Additional points included LI4 (Hegu), located between the thumb and index finger, which is often used for its regulatory effects on the nervous system; ST36 (Zusanli), positioned on the lateral aspect of the lower leg, which strengthens Qi and alleviates systemic tension; and SP6 (Sanyinjiao), located on the medial lower leg, which is used to regulate emotions and calm the mind. [1]
Sterile, single-use stainless steel needles measuring 0.25 mm in diameter and 40 mm in length were used in the treatments. The needles were inserted to varying depths, depending on the acupoint. For example, GV20 required insertion to a depth of 15–25 mm at a slight angle toward the scalp to target the subaponeurotic layer. Yintang was needled transverse-obliquely to a depth of 10–15 mm to remain parallel to the skin surface, while HT7 was needled perpendicularly to a depth of 10–15 mm to elicit a mild deqi sensation—a hallmark of effective needle placement in acupuncture. LI4 required oblique insertion to a depth of 25–35 mm toward the base of the thumb, ST36 was needled perpendicularly to a depth of 25–35 mm to stimulate deep muscle layers, and SP6 was inserted obliquely to a depth of 20–30 mm toward the posterior border of the tibia. [1]
Manual needle manipulation techniques were an integral part of the treatment, with lifting, thrusting, and rotating motions used to reinforce or reduce Qi flow as needed. Manipulation was performed for 30 seconds at each acupoint during each session to enhance the therapeutic effects. Deqi sensation was actively sought as a measure of effective needle placement. Each session lasted for 30 minutes, and treatments were administered three times per week for the eight-week duration of the study. [1]
The study also revealed significant biological changes in patients undergoing acupuncture. Serum cortisol levels, a marker of stress, were notably reduced in the real acupuncture group, while serum serotonin levels, which play a critical role in mood regulation, were increased. These findings provide a biochemical explanation for the clinical improvements observed in the anxiety symptoms of PD patients. Functional MRI scans further supported the results by showing increased activity in the anterior cingulate cortex and decreased hyperactivity in the amygdala, brain regions implicated in anxiety regulation. [1]
This research highlights the importance of precise acupoint selection, appropriate needle depth, and correct manipulation techniques in achieving therapeutic outcomes for anxiety. The use of acupoints such as GV20 and Yintang to calm the Shen aligns well with TCM theory, while the reduction in cortisol and increase in serotonin levels demonstrate the measurable physiological effects of acupuncture. [1]
The study underscores acupuncture’s potential as a safe and effective adjunctive treatment for anxiety, especially for patients with chronic neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease. The sustained benefits observed in this trial suggest that acupuncture offers not only immediate symptom relief but also lasting improvements in mental health. Future research should focus on larger patient populations and extended follow-up periods to further validate these findings and explore the long-term benefits of acupuncture for anxiety management. [1]
Reference:
1. Fan, J., Lu, W., Tan, W., et al. “Effectiveness of Acupuncture for Anxiety Among Patients With Parkinson Disease: A Randomized Clinical Trial.” JAMA Network Open, vol. 5, no. 9, 2022.
